Rockin’ the Midway at the Funshine Music Festival is May 3-5 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday.

More than 60 rides and attractions are featured at the first-ever Funshine Music Festival, May 3-5, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

American Idol winner Phillip Phillips takes the stage May 3 as part of a huge list of music greats scheduled to rock the midway at the Funshine Music Festival.

TAMPA – All day music, all day rides makes for a day of nonstop fun. The Funshine Festival, May 3-5, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa promises all three.

It’s a family-friendly festival that brings the most entertainment at the most economical price. “Rockin’ The Midway at the Funshine Festival” is just $25 a day for unlimited rides and music. Kids age five and under admitted free and tickets for ages 6 to 11 are $15 at the gate. Tickets include free unlimited rides for the whole day and general admission to all stages and the Festival Lawn at Live Nation Amphitheatre.

A 100-foot-tall Ferris Wheel that holds six people per pod becomes a beacon at night lit up by multi-colored LED lights. The RC-48 Rollercoaster, the largest and fastest movable steel roller coaster in the United States, gives guests the same great thrill only found at amusement parks.

The White Water Flume Ride is one of only four in North America where boats race around the track with two large drops guaranteed to get the rider soaked. The Mega-Drop towers 135 feet above the midway is the largest portable drop tower in North America. The Orbiter is a G-Force thriller spinning at high speeds makes it the epitome of thrill rides. And this is just the beginning.

Additional attractions include helicopter rides in the original Bat Copter from the Batman TV show, sky rides and a zip line. Many kid-friendly rides are available, including a carousel, Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, Lolly Swings and more, along with the crafts area and magic show.

Food choices include a wide variety from healthy alternative menus to specialty food trucks to open pit barbeques.

Six stages of music

Utilizing six stages including the Live Nation Amphitheatre and the Fairgrounds Expo Hall, the Funshine Festival features an all-star cast of performers along with the best local bands.

The inaugural Rockin’ the Midway at the Funshine Festival presented by the Tampa Bay Times brings more than 60 state of the art thrill rides and attractions and more than 30 acts spread over six stages to the Florida State Fairgrounds.

All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, parking and service and handling charges.

Festival attendees will also be able to enjoy the Florida State Fairgrounds’ campgrounds that will be available at special pricing to those with RV’s. For information on camping, call 813-621-7821.